Comets Soar in Second Half to Pull Out 67-36 Win Over Parkers Prairie
After a tough loss to the Park Christian Falcons, the Hillcrest Comets returned to their home court on Tuesday night determined to showcase the teamwork, aggressive rim attacks, and confident shooting they’ve been honing all season. The result was a resounding 67-36 victory over the Parkers Prairie Panthers—an emphatic statement that the Comets are flexing their muscles they’ve exercised this season.
Hillcrest, now 7-4 on the season, shook off a sluggish start and carried a 29-20 edge into the locker room at halftime. Head Coach Donavan Rogness acknowledged the team’s early lull but credited his players for flipping the switch in the second half.
“The first half we played flat and didn’t have our normal energy,” Rogness said, “but the second half was better. We eliminated our turnovers and did a good job stopping their paint touches, giving nothing easy at the rim.”
That renewed intensity on both ends of the floor unleashed the Comets’ collective potential. They attacked the rim with confidence, turned up the defensive pressure, and found high-percentage shots by working in sync—everything they’ve been working toward all season. The Berge brothers led the offensive surge, with Sean pouring in a game-high 20 points and Preston adding 17. Lincoln Nash chipped in 13, and the trio combined to shoot an impressive 12-for-15 from the free-throw line.
Meanwhile, Hillcrest’s defense clamped down, disrupting the Panthers’ attempts to penetrate the lane and forcing them into tough shots. With the Comets dictating the tempo, the second half quickly turned into a showcase of their aggressive style, culminating in a 38-16 scoring differential after the break.
The victory not only redeemed the Comets’ recent setback but also underscored how their season-long dedication to teamwork, physical play in the paint, and poise behind the arc has positioned them for continued success. Looking ahead, Hillcrest aims to bring that same tenacity into their Friday evening road matchup against Rothsay, eager to keep flexing the strengths they’ve cultivated all year.